The Ministry of Tax and Customs of the Republic of Belarus issued an important warning: in the run-up to the deadline for paying the unified property Payments, cybercriminals have become active, using a complex two-stage deception scheme.

Step 1: False Overdue and Data Theft

Criminals are sending citizens messages claiming they have tax debts. The text includes a link to a fake resource that visually completely copies the official MNS portal.

On this phishing site, users are asked to enter personal data, then – full bank card details (number, expiration date, CVV code) and a 6-digit code from an SMS.

Important reminder from MNS: On the real ministry website, it is impossible to pay taxes directly by bank card. All payments are made exclusively through the ERIPS system or personal online banking.

Step 2: Intimidation with Criminal Case and Dangerous Files

If the victim does not fall for the first stage, criminals change tactics. They begin sending emails with threats of criminal case prosecution. A malicious PDF file is attached to the message, disguised as a "verification act."

Downloading and opening such a file is extremely dangerous: it may contain hidden phishing links, spyware for stealing passwords to mobile banks, or ransomware viruses that lock the device for ransom.

How to Protect Yourself?

The tax authority consistently recommends Belarusians to be vigilant. To obtain reliable information about taxes, deadlines, and changes in legislation, one must use only verified sources. All links to verified MNS accounts on social networks and messengers are placed exclusively on the main page of the ministry's official website.